A favourite activity of visitors to Africa is to see its wildlife. Places like South Africa and Kenya are popular which means their national parks can get a bit busy. If you want to see the Big 5 without the crowds and still have some time for the beach, then lesser known Malawi is the place to be. In the words of Lonely Planet: "You get up close to the aforementioned elephant, rhino, lion, leopard and buffalo without the pesky 4WD scrum so common in Africa’s best-known parks."ALEXANDER JOE
/ AFP/Getty Images

4. Sweden

You may not want to visit this, or any other, Scandinavian country in the winter, but come summertime, Sweden is in a class by itself. Enjoy wonderful cuisine sourced from local products and cultural attractions that are as hip as anything you'll find anywhere. In the words of Lonely Planet: "Thanks to the late Swedish author Stieg Larsson, most people have a sense of what Sweden’s like, even in the far north – cold, beautiful and a bit scary."Vittorio Zunino Celotto
/ Getty Images

3. Scotland

Another country to visit next year which isn't really a country is Scotland although it could become one soon. Taking a cue from last year's successful Gathering in Ireland, Scotland plans a Homecoming in 2014 to welcome the Scottish diaspora back for a visit. It's also hosting the Commonwealth Games next year, but Scotland is worth visiting at any time, even without those sort of one-off events. In the words of Lonely Planet: "The phrase ‘there’s something for everyone’ applies."Jeff J Mitchell
/ Getty Images

2. Antarctica

Strictly speaking, it's a continent and not a country, but Antarctica is definitely a place on many a bucket list and for good reason. It's one of the world's last frontiers for travel and only a few people can afford to journey there, although it is becoming more and more accessible as more outfitters see its potential. See it in 2014, so you can say you were there before the crowds. In the words of Lonely Planet: "Visiting this pristine continent ... in 2014 is a chance to take life on and follow in the path of other intrepid explorers – but with cushier amenities."Martin Bureau
/ AFP/Getty Images

1. Brazil

All eyes will be on South America's largest nation next year when it hosts the World Cup of soccer, not to mention the Summer Olympics in 2016. For the traveller, Brazil has it all, but it's a vast nation so you'll have to pick your spots whether it be the beauty of Rio de Janeiro, the coastal cities of Recife or the rainforests of the Amazon. In the words of Lonely Planet: "Brazil’s diversity will leave you slack-jawed."VANDERLEI ALMEIDA
/ AFP/GettyImages